Eve Mbasabye

Kingdom Kampala, a modern shopping centre, located between Nile Avenue and Dewinton Road is ready for renting and the proprietors of the multi million dollar building, Crane Management Services, have a juicy offer for local retailers will get three rent-free months.

Crane Management Services (CMS), in 2016, entered into a joint venture with Kingdom Hotel and Abland Africa, a South African firm, to build a modern complex at the former Shimoni Primary School land.

And now, two year’s later, CMS, a real estate company owned by businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has completed the first phase of the complex. CMS says the building even in its first phase is ‘bound to cause seismic changes in the Kampala business stratosphere’.

“The fact that we are strategically located in Kampala business centre; blare, car horns and sirens can get pretty disturbing. For this, we have infused our windows and doors with sound proof double glassing so you can carry on with business in your lavish office space in peace. Brace your selves for Kingdom Kampala,” CMS said in a recent social media post.

In an interview with SpyUganda, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia said Kingdom Kampala is going to be a one stop centre complex where a customer comes and finds about 98% on their shopping list in one place, with ample parking space, adequate security to people and property and eating places.

Rajiv Ruparelia, the director of CMS in a January interview with ChimpLyf said the buildings valued at $300M. He said it would house a shopping mall accommodating local traders and international firms. He revealed the complex would house a 200 bedroom 4 -star hotel, 40,000 square meter office space and a 16,000 square meter rentable space.

“As the real estate arm of the Ruparelia Group, CMS recognizes the unique needs of all our clients and aim to provide the highest standard of services. the sole purpose of providing a lasting real estate solution like this new proposed structure aims at making all stakeholders happy through providing quality commercial, official, and residential apartments," Rajiv Ruparelia told the local news site.

Dr Sudhir Ruparelia took over from Saudi Prince Ali Waheed who was supposed to build a hotel to host guests during the Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2007 but the hotel was never built. After year’s of the project stalling, the contacted Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia.

“We were contacted by management of Kingdom Hotel as people who have experience in real estate management to get on board to develop and manage this asset. Another experienced South African firm, Abland was also brought on board but we are in charge. In the next two-and-half years, we will have finished this structure,” Rajiv Ruparelia said in 2016 after cementing the deal.

On Monday, representatives of Giant of Africa, camped at Kampala International School (KISU) for a three day basketball clinic. The continental non profit organization uses basketball to educate and enrich the lives of Africa Youth.

Giants of Africa also trains coaches who hone their skills by working with top international coaches.

The Giants of Africa team took the youngsters through motivational speech before training sessions in shooting, better ball movement, and proper spacing among others.Federation of Uganda basketball Association President Ambrose Tashobya said the clinic provided a big opportunity for the kids.

“It’s a great opportunity for the young ones. It can change them to better humans as they are now Learning from the best. We believe that these three days will leave a lasting impression to the young ones. We have able players to make it to the professional level anywhere.”

Before the left the country for Nigeria where they will have a similar clinic, the Giants of Africa were hosted to a dinner by the Ruparelia Foundation which is the philanthropic arm of Ruparelia Group which owns KISU.

Giants of Africa aims to provide quality facilities, coaching and instruction while enhancing the growth of the game of basketball within Africa. Founded in 2004 by Masai Ujiri, Giants of Africa wants to develop a program that will enable them to make coaches better and to help youth have a better foundation and grass roots system.

The Royal Ascot Goat Races were Friday launched at Speke Apartments in Kampala with a promise to relive its past glory. The event, which was last held in 2012, will be happening on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at its customary venue of Speke Resort, Munyonyo.

“The Goat Races were easily the most popular event on Uganda’s social calendar for all the time they were held, so we wanted to bring that amazing experience back with fun-filled activities everyone can participate in,” said Sheena Ruparelia, the event coordinator, at the relaunch press conference.

“Our focus is on the races and activities around that, but there will be hospitality tents available, a food court with up to 10 types of cuisines; a beer garden, cocktail and champagne bars, sport games, silent disco areas, and chill-out lounges,” she added.

“We are excited about the return of the Goat Races, which we consider the social event any fun-loving person would look forward to the most in Uganda. We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Goat Races because no fun event of this kind is complete without Tusker Malt. We want guys to really make the most of it,” said Grace Namutebi, Brand Manager, Premium Beers at Uganda Breweries.

The goat races will entail six races over the course of the day, with each race featuring 10 goats. Anyone can sponsor a race, or buy a goat to participate in a race. The proceeds generated from the races will then go to a selected charity.

Tickets to the Goat Races will go for Shs50,000, with early bird offers, and special discount days also planned, where one can get a ticket for as low as Shs30,000.

Continuing with their social responsibility tradition, the goat races will once again give back to society, with Totos Tag Rugby and Outreach programme being this year’s beneficiaries. Under the programme 250 children train at the Kyadondo Rugby Club every weekend.

Toto’s Tag Rugby has been instrumental in rugby development in the country. Five of the national Rugby Cranes players representing Uganda at the Rugby 7s World Cup in San Francisco were nurtured by the programme.

Pearl Dairy, Sanyu FM and Kampala Casino are the other confirmed partners.

Youth Power Research Uganda, apressure group advocating for social and economic transformation of youth, has asked the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to publish a report detailing investigation findings into a one Justine Bagyenda.

The letter from Youth Power Research Uganda dated 12th July, 2018 has been received by IGG’s office, Office of the Prime Minister and that of Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE). It is titled Refusal And/Or Delay To Publish Investigation Report Regarding One Justine Bagyenda.

Bagyenda is under investigations and asset verification by the Leadership Code Directorate in the office of the IGG over illicit and under declared wealth plus accusations of money laundering by the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) over money laundering accusations.

On February 20, a whistleblower petitioned the IGG to investigate Bagyenda, referring to different assets, and the billions of shillings she allegedly had on her accounts. It is believed that her wealth doesnt match her salary as a department director at Bank of Uganda, the country’s central bank and regulator of the banking industry.

However, it is now months without producing the report a thing that has prompted the youth to pile pressure on the IGG. It should also be noted that a section of members of public allege that IGG has blocked the of investigating Bagyenda because the two are friends.

Zahid Sempala the head of publicity Youth Power Research Uganda said that the IGG had earlier written to them indicating that they were acting on behalf of a third party something they deny.

“Our requirement is on the purported illicit undeclared wealth of one Justine Bagyenda and the consequences thereof”. “We wish to clarify that contrary to your fears, we serve no untiring third parties save for self and country the constitution gives us the power.”

“We wish to clarify that contrary to your fears we in fact serve no untiring third parties save for self and country the constitution gives us the powers to .We at once invited you to redeem our institution and similarly serve country and not individuals as appears to be the case”. reads part of the letter.